Hedgehog Flavour Crisps

Hedgehog Flavour Crisps were a novelty snack food produced in the United Kingdom during the 1980s. Despite the name, these crisps did not contain any actual hedgehog meat. Instead, they were flavored to mimic the taste of hedgehog, which was a marketing gimmick that garnered significant attention and curiosity.

History

The idea for Hedgehog Flavour Crisps originated from Phillip Lewis, a pub owner in Wales. In 1981, Lewis created the crisps as a joke, inspired by the traditional Romani practice of cooking hedgehogs. The crisps were initially sold in his pub, but their popularity quickly grew, leading to commercial production.

Production

The crisps were manufactured by Smiths Crisps, a well-known British snack food company. The flavoring was designed to replicate the taste of hedgehog meat, although it was entirely synthetic and vegetarian. The crisps were marketed with the slogan "Hedgehog Flavour Crisps - A Prickly Treat."

Marketing and Popularity

Hedgehog Flavour Crisps became a cultural phenomenon in the UK. Their unusual flavor and quirky marketing captured the public's imagination. The crisps were featured in various media outlets and became a talking point in British pop culture. Despite their initial success, the novelty eventually wore off, and production ceased in the late 1980s.

Cultural Impact

The crisps are remembered as a unique and humorous part of British snack food history. They are often cited in discussions about unusual and novelty food products. The story of Hedgehog Flavour Crisps is an example of how creative marketing can capture public interest and create a lasting cultural memory.

Related Pages

• Smiths Crisps
• Snack food
• Novelty food
• British cuisine